67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day

In 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day the Knitting and Crochet Revolution, a decade of phenomenal growth of an international non-profit organisation is recorded. With a Foreword by Sello Hatang, former CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and a letter from Graça Machel in the Preface, the book shows how the simple gift of a handmade blanket has had a profound effect on the lives of many. Accompanied by the story of Nelson Mandela’s life, the experiences and views of those who made the blankets are recorded, as well as those who received them and the many organisations and people who contributed to the project over the ten years from December 2013 to 2022. During this period, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day set four Guinness World Records by 2019, enabled hundreds of prisoners in correctional centres to contribute positively to society, and assisted with emergency relief to those in need after the devasting Cyclone Idai. What emerges clearly from the stories in this book is how thousands of people have been empowered through their involvement in this movement, and how their lives were changed by the simple act of giving or receiving a blanket. A non-profit organisation, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day was founded by Carolyn Steyn in 2014. Challenged by Zelda La Grange to make 67 blankets as a contribution to Mandela Day in December 2013, Carolyn turned to friends and family to help her realise this target. The organisation has mobilised thousands of active members in South Africa and around the world to make blankets and scarves for distribution to those in need.

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